Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts recently opened up about a challenging period in his football career when he seriously questioned whether he wanted to continue pursuing the sport. During an appearance on ABC’s "Good Morning America," Hurts was promoting his new book, "Better Than a Touchdown," and shared candid reflections about the adversity he faced and the resilience that helped him overcome self-doubt.
When asked by a fan if there was ever a time he wanted to quit football, Hurts acknowledged that there was indeed a moment during his college years when he questioned his future in the sport. "There was a time I was actually just reflecting on this, there was a time in college where I really questioned, ‘What’s going on? Where do I go from here?’" he said. He described facing significant adversity, being doubted by many, and feeling broken down and dissected in multiple ways. Despite these challenges, Hurts emphasized that his passion for the game ultimately helped him persevere. "My passion overcame every ounce of doubt, overcame every ounce of fear," Hurts explained. "You gotta have the courage to press forward. Without the courage and perseverance and resilience and the passion, I wouldn’t be here today."
Hurts’ journey in football has been marked by both setbacks and remarkable comebacks. He began his collegiate career as the starting quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide. However, his role changed dramatically during the 2018 SEC Championship Game when he was replaced by Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa went on to lead Alabama to a stunning comeback victory over Georgia, a moment that could have derailed Hurts’ confidence. Instead, Hurts used the experience as motivation to continue his pursuit of success.
Following his time at Alabama, Hurts transferred to the University of Oklahoma for his final college season in 2019. This transition proved pivotal, as he was able to showcase his skills and establish himself as a legitimate NFL prospect. His strong performance at Oklahoma helped revive his draft stock and set the stage for the next chapter of his career.
In the 2020 NFL Draft, Hurts was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round as the 53rd overall pick. He entered the league in a draft class that included other highly touted quarterbacks such as Tua Tagovailoa, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Jordan Love. Despite being drafted later than some of his peers, Hurts worked diligently to earn a starting position with the Eagles.
Hurts’ perseverance and determination paid off handsomely. He has played a crucial role in leading the Philadelphia Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances. The pinnacle of his career came in 2024 when he helped the Eagles secure a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, earning him the distinction of being the only quarterback from his draft class to win a Super Bowl ring so far. His performance in Super Bowl LIX was exceptional, culminating in him being named the game’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Throughout his NFL career, Hurts has continued to build an impressive resume. He has earned three Pro Bowl selections, a testament to his consistent high-level play. As of now, he has amassed 17,891 passing yards and 110 touchdown passes, figures that highlight his productivity and impact on the field. These achievements reflect not only his talent but also his relentless work ethic and ability to overcome obstacles.
Jalen Hurts’ story is one of resilience, passion, and the power of perseverance. From moments of doubt during his college years to his rise as a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Hurts exemplifies the mindset required to succeed at the highest levels of professional sports. His reflections on courage and pushing forward despite setbacks serve as an inspiration to many, both within and beyond the world of football.
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Ryan Gaydos, a senior editor for Fox News Digital, contributed to the reporting of this story.